Dishing out something extra

Colin Demers, right, waits for volunteer Lettie Saheim to put gravy on the plate as the Century House Restaurant served meals at the Cohoes Senior Service Citizen Center on Nov. 1, 2012. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)

COLONIE — Colin DeMers knows a thing or two about hospitality.

DeMers is the nephew of Jim and Dorothy O’Hearn, who opened the Century House in 1949. The business has stayed in the family for more than half a century and is now run by the late O’Hearns’ children, Tim O’Hearn and Susan O’Hearn-Jordan, along with DeMers, who became managing partner in 1999.

After nearly 30 years in the hospitality industry, and in the midst of the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression, DeMers quietly unveiled the Enjoy One, Share One program in 2009 at the Century House. He calls it a “socially responsible giving business model.” For every meal served and room booked at the Century House Hotel and Restaurant, the program provides a meal to those in need through the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.

“At the time, so much was happening in our community and I knew we could do something to help,” DeMers said. “I wanted to create a program that everyone from staff to patrons could participate in at no cost and feel good about.”

DeMers worked with the food bank for a year to come up with a plan to help feed the community. Less than four years later, the Enjoy One, Share One program is nearing its 350,000th meal served.

The program not only underwrites the cost of meals through the food bank, but Century House staff and volunteers also go out into the community every month to prepare a meal at different location in the Capital Region. Last week, DeMers and a contingent of volunteers prepared and served dinner at the Cohoes Senior Service Citizen Center.

“Enjoying and sharing a meal with people from all walks of life is so emotional and resonates,” DeMers said. “It’s a common denominator.”

At the end of each meal at the Century House Restaurant, patrons are encouraged to sign the “Book of Giving,” which sits on top of the piano in the tavern. The book serves as a reminder of each donation made in every guests honor. With more than 300,000 meals served, the book has become more like a tome.

He said he was struck by how appreciative people have been.

“I wish there wasn’t a need out there,” DeMers said, “but we’re on to something. It feels good to do the right thing. I just hope it grows.”

The Century House is at 997 New Loudon Road in Latham. For information, click here.